Mangroves are typical tropical coastal vegetation communities, growing and developing on tidal areas, especially in lagoons, river estuaries, and sheltered beaches with silt or sandy mud substrates. Mangrove ecosystem is the unity between mangroves, animals, and other organisms that interact with each other and with the environment. (Regulation Of The Ministry Of Forestry Of The Republic Of Indonesia, No. P.35 of 2010).
Indragiri Hilir regency has 20 sub-districts,39 villages and 197 villages with an area of 12,614.78 km2. Indragiri Hilir regency has a mangrove ecosystem that is quite extensive around 127,000 Ha. One of the contributing villages of the mangrove ecosystem area in Indragiri Hilir regency is Igal Village, this village is located in the northern part of Indragiri Hilir which has a landscape covering the mainland to the coast and has the shape of a river that turns. Igal village is a land formed in the coastal area of the transition zone between the river environment and the marine environment, which is strongly influenced by marine characters such as tides, wave patterns, salt levels and ocean currents.
When viewed from the character of this mainland Igal village into the estuary the area is connected to the open ocean by fertile waters that make up one of the most productive natural habitats in the world. Sediment trapped with water in the basin eventually overgrown by mangroves (mangroves) as a biological resource in mangrove ecosystems and lowland forests. Biological resources that are trapped and covered with sediment in youth eventually form a swamp sediment from peat soil that continues. The soil condition in Igal Village consists of black soil, litter (collection of shells) such as gray clay and sand. The existing black soil is like peat that is not wet and like black dust. White soil/mud sticky if wet and if dry hard textured petrified and cracked and gray with a thickness of approximately 20 cm that covers the sand litter or fossils of marine animals.
The village of Igal is located in an area of beautiful blend of vast waters and fertile land, being home to incredible mangrove forests. Currently, the coastal area of Igal village is overgrown with mangroves around 4,990 Ha. The uniqueness of the mangrove ecosystem in Igal village includes the diversity of flora and fauna species that live in close balance. The mangroves of Igal Village are not only a natural sanctuary for various species, but also have a wide ecological impact and this makes the key to preserving this precious asset. Mangrove ecosystems have a variety of ecological benefits, including:
- Beach protection: the roots of mangroves serve as a natural barrier that reduces Beach abrasion and protects the beach from the impact of high waves during storms.
- Marine life: mangrove ecosystems provide a breeding ground for many species of Fish and other aquatic animals. They also provide shelter for various species when they are young.
- Pollution filter: mangroves can filter pollution from the water and contribute to maintaining better seawater quality.
- Carbon storage: mangrove forests are important carbon stores, helping to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.
In many coastal areas in the village of Igal even the whole world people depend on the availability of natural resources, especially those from the sea. Therefore, most coastal communities work as fishermen. The fishing community in Igal village has developed a close relationship with the mangrove ecosystem, they depend on mangroves for a variety of ways, such as:
- Fishing grounds: mangroves provide fishing grounds rich in resources, such as fish, mangrove crabs, and shrimp.
- Food sources: some species of the mangrove ecosystem, such as fruits and shellfish, are important food sources for fishing communities.
- Building materials: mangrove wood is often used as a traditional building material for houses and boats.
- Livelihood: fishermen often make a living from catches in mangrove ecosystems and from mangrove-related ecotourism tourism.
Despite the deep dependence on mangrove ecosystems, coastal communities in Igal village face several challenges in maintaining a balance between utilization and preservation. Some of the main challenges include:;
- Over-harvesting: uncontrolled fishing and exploitation of other resources of mangrove ecosystems can threaten sustainability.
- Pollution: pollution from domestic and industrial sources can damage mangrove ecosystems and affect fish and aquatic animal populations.
- Climate change: rising ocean temperatures and increasing storm intensity can damage mangrove habitats.
- Land conversion: conversion of mangrove land for Urban Development or aquaculture may result in habitat loss.
In overcoming this challenge, Igal village has collaborative efforts in conservation, namely the importance of cooperation between the community, government, and environmental organizations. Igal village has played a very important role in the preservation of mangrove ecosystems in their region with several proactive steps that can be taken to ensure mutual preservation against these challenges, such as:;
- Sustainable management: development of sustainable management plans that regulate fishing practices and maintain ecological balance.
- Education and awareness: increasing coastal communities ‘ understanding of the importance of mangrove conservation through educational programs and educative campaigns for community members and the younger generation, teaching the values of conservation and its positive impact on the environment.
- Mangrove restoration: carrying out restoration efforts to restore mangrove areas that have been degraded.
- Conservation and protection: establish conservation areas and implement strict protection laws to prevent further damage.
- Community involvement: active involvement of community members in the management and decision-making related to mangrove forests is the key to successful preservation in Igal Village. This creates a shared responsibility and a sense of belonging to the environment.
Although Igal village has taken significant steps in mangrove conservation, there are still challenges to be faced. Climate change, pollution, and uncontrolled human activity remain threats. However, hope still radiates brightly by proving that with the right awareness, knowledge, and commitment, humans can establish a harmonious relationship with nature.
The sustainability of mangrove ecosystems is not only important for the survival of marine life, but also for the survival of human life and the overall global environmental balance. Mangroves in Igal Village are a vivid example of how local people can become guardians and protectors of a distinctive natural environment. With traditional knowledge, education, active involvement, and sustainable initiatives, the people of Igal village have helped preserve and promote the values of the mangrove ecosystem. Through hard work and dedication, Igal village has paved the way for a more sustainable future, where people and nature can coexist in balanced harmony and harmony.
